Indicted Southport officer suspended without pay

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A Southport police officer charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of a Boiling Spring Lakes teen will not be getting a paycheck as he waits for his case to be heard.

Det. Bryon Vassey was placed on non-disciplinary suspension without pay, City Manager Kerry McDuffie said. That went into effect Tuesday.

Vassey had been on paid leave since Jan. 5, when he shot and killed Vidal 70 seconds after arriving at the teen’s home.

Vassey’s attorney has said the detective had no choice but to shoot Vassey, who he says was trying to stab another officer with a pick as the officer and a sheriff’s deputy tried to subdue the schizophrenic teen.

Earlier this month a grand jury indicted Vassey, who is out of jail on bond. He is due back in court in April.